2014 Trusted Advisers Insurance Agent: Jeff Eiserman

Jeff Eiserman believes he’s not a commodity. As a commercial insurance adviser with Springfield insurance and risk management provider Ollis & Co., Eiserman says most clients view insurance that way – until they work with him.

“Working with me typically changes the way a business owner looks at our industry,” he says. “Buying insurance the same way as it’s been done for the last 20 years simply won’t work in today’s economy.”

Rather than quoting standard industry numbers, Eiserman says he prefers to take a more holistic approach, looking at every aspect of the business and developing a specific plan to suit a client’s needs.

“My clients tell me I go above and beyond to understand exactly what they do, how they do it and what differentiates them from their competition,” he says.

Working with Eiserman since 2011, Tank Components Industries President and CEO Dale Sandy says Eiserman has risen to the top of his advisers’ list.

“Jeff has a great understanding of the insurance business along with an ability to communicate and understand our business, which allows him to match us with the best companies to provide us our insurance needs,” Sandy says. “Jeff works very hard to understand what our business is about, and also what I am about.”

Insurance isn’t just about fixing what’s broken or paying doctors bills. Eiserman says risk management is key. Eiserman works with clients to uncover risks within their company, only some of which may be covered by insurance.

One key component is a disaster recovery plan. Eiserman says about 78 percent of businesses close their doors within two years following a major tornado, such as those seen in Joplin or Branson.

“I’m proud to say a majority of my clients now know how they will respond,” he says. “The financial impact of this on their business is too large to measure.”

The commercial insurance adviser is taking his risk management skills statewide, becoming active in the Missouri Limestone Producers Association. He says in addition to safety planning for members, the group is involved legislatively in promoting business and commerce in Missouri.

“Promoting industry is something all of us should be involved in,” he says.

Eiserman’s holistic approach has helped grow his commercial business at Ollis & Co. to $4.5 million in premiums during his five years with the company, about 18 percent annual growth. He manages $450,000 in annual commission revenue working with some 67 clients in 2013.

Eiserman attributes his success and ability to understand business owners to his previous job as a business owner himself. Eiserman owned and served as general manager of Springfield-based luxury automobile broker Autofare, 2004-09, where he generated $3 million in annual sales.

Outside the office, Eiserman promotes youth education as current board president at the Discovery Center of Springfield.

“I believe education is the most powerful tool to help break the cycle of poverty,” he says. “This work has helped me look at nonprofit organizations in a totally new way, and I take a personal responsibility for sharing my experience with others in the community.”[[In-content Ad]]